Red Wings have money to blow

DETROIT— In the economically ravaged state of Michigan, the Detroit Red Wings are one of a few organizations looking to hire new faces.

With Brian Rafalski, Kris Draper, Chris Osgood retiring in the off-season and Detroit flush with cap space (US$5.8-million), the Wings’ training camp will see legitimate battles for roster spots.

Detroit opens the pre-season Wednesday in Pittsburgh.

“We’re in a different situation than we’ve been in a lot of years because we’re under the cap by a long way,” Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. “In the past, sometimes that (cap position) contributed to who was on the team at the start. This year, whoever plays well is on the team.

“I think that’s a real positive thing for us. We’re going to be real competitive in our forward positions as well as our D positions for spots.

“That’ll be exciting, and that’s why we have eight exhibition games.”

Having suffered two straight second-round exits in the playoffs, Wings veterans are welcoming the winds of change blowing through the dressing room. Changes that will also see two new assistant coaches on the bench in Jeff Blashill and Bill Peters.

“We had some early exits that a lot of guys here sometimes aren’t used to and obviously don’t like that.

“I like our team. The key for us to stay determined.”

While Cleary admits its odd to see the Wings (US$58,454545) trailing the likes of Buffalo (US$67,895,357), Tampa, (US$60,366,083), Columbus (US$59,973,976) and New Jersey (US$59,006,667) in terms of payroll, he’s intrigued by what that flexibility will mean come the trade deadline or in next year’s free-agent market. The salary cap is US$64.3-million this season and Detroit ranks 16th in the NHL in payroll.

“In my opinion, what was done was the right thing,” Cleary said. “Why would you go out and spend money on players you didn’t want to spend it on? Maybe you wait a year and there’s a better crop (of free agents).”

The Wings did sign free agent defencemen Ian White and Mike Commodore to replace Rafalski and Ruslan Salei and they’ll join Jakub Kindl, Brendan Smith, Doug Janik and Jonathan Ericsson to out sort who plays behind Detroit’s top four of Nick Lidstrom, Niklas Kronwall, Brad Stuart and White. Ericsson, with his new three-year deal worth US$9.75-million, faces the greatest expectations.

“We made a big commitment to him this summer,” Babcock said. “We think he’s a big part of the future.

“We think we got five guys in our top four. He can be a minute muncher. He needs to take his game to the next level.”

In goal, Jimmy Howard’s position remains unchallenged while Ty Conklin and Joey MacDonald will battle for the backup role. Conklin is coming off a sour season with St. Louis while MacDonald was solid in replacing Osgood from January on as Howard’s caddy.

“No question (Conklin has to play better),” Babcock said.

“Mac wants to play, too. Mac doesn’t think he’s going anywhere.

“Conks thinks he’s on the team, so that’s a great thing.”

The most ferocious battles for roster spots will be up front. Detroit has veterans Fabian Brunnstrom and Ryan Johnson in camp on tryout contracts while Chris Connor has a two-way deal. They’ll join Tomas Tartar and Corey Emmerton in the battle for the final spot in Detroit.